The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

SSO, sounds like you need to invest in the "Look for the Dog" book. Then you should have a better idea about models and when they were made. A VV-XX was introduced long before a XVII or the XVIII. You will also expect to pay over 10,000.00 ++ for one. The "LFTD" book is a very good tool for all to have.

I don't think I would consider a Victrola 20 in the same line up as a 16 .20's sell (if you can find one)for a lot of $$$$$$$$.I hope Bob doesn't mind his being posted on here.I think he owns more than anyone else.The 17 is a nice machine and is a very strong player.However,it or even the short lived 18 are not in the same class as a 20.I use my 17 as a daily player.The hardest piece to find (if missing) is the 10" letter "P".It was only used in the 17 & 18.I think your comment of "over a million were made" might be a tad off .I wish they were as "common as dirt" to find in great un-touched condition. There were only 18,914 spring and 2,535 eletric 17's made.There were 3,407 spring and 994 eletric 18's made.As for the VV-XX......only 530 in total were made.

Nono. I meant almost a million VV-XI's were made.


XVII's are fairly scarce.


Mine doesn't have any of the books.

Well,you are still off by a little on the 16.....197,020 spring and 11,953 electric 16's were made. Even if you add in the 17 and the 18 for good measure, I think you are still under the million mark. Are you sure you're not a ex-Victor share holder???? You may want to spend a couple of well spent bucks on a copy of "Look for The Dog". I think like most you will find it very handy.

What? I said VV-XI. Over 800,000 of them were made.

You're right!!! There were over 800,000 11's made. I keep thinking of the higher end three in the group. 16, 17, 18. I need new glasses!!!....too many XXXXVVVIIIIVVVXXXIII That would also explain why you can see several 11's for sale on Craigslist at any given time. What I would like to see are some pics of your 17.

WOW! You guys certainly love your Victrola's . I should have figured, I would get this kind of response. As much as I appreciate, it very much. We must remember, that I live in a condo, and I do not want a large machine. Also, I am not too concerned too much about the design, on the out side. Plain and simple is fine, though not too simple, just not a lot of extra decorations, or doors. Although, I do like the darker wood, similar to mahogany, or a nice dark stained wood.

I will just keep my eye out for a nice one, that runs, and won't need a whole lot of work, or none if possible.

Paul

Paul, still sounds like an X or an XI is your best bet for the situation.

And a word to the wise...Talking about a man's Victrola is the same as talking about his child. Watch what you say!

gramophone78 wrote:What I would like to see are some pics of your 17.

That, I can do.

It's a bit dusty in the first two pictures, but, you get the overall idea of its condition.



The last 4 were taken in late Feb. and since then I've replaced the crank, speed control escutcheon, reproducer, etc. with mint gold plated ones. Everything else is original to the machine, and it's in great shape. It would be almost perfect, if I ever got up the courage to take some lemon oil and #0000 steel wool to the alligatoring on the front. But, for being 92 years old, I think that's forgivable.

SSO, what a great 17 you have there. If you are missing the one bottom key hole escutcheon, I may have one. I will dig in one my parts drawers. Let me know. I will just give it to you if I still have it. Keep your eyes open for the record books. They are around. As I wrote the 10" "P" is the hard one to find. BTW, I would not recommend using any "oil" products on the wood. A good paste wax is far better. Oil can lead to more problems. Most professionals stay away from oil now.